TALKWORKS is Devon's NHS Talking Therapies Service. We are a free service for people over the age of 18, who are registered with a GP in Devon (excluding Plymouth as this is covered by Plymouth Talking Therapies).
TALKWORKS is not able to offer treatment for all mental health problems and is not a crisis response service. Before making an online self-referral, please read the information below to check that TALKWORKS can best meet your needs.
Needs we can meet

- Low mood and depression
- Sleep difficulties
- Stress (including work-related stress)
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Anxiety in social situations, health anxiety and excessive worry
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Emotional eating, including mild to moderate binge eating disorder or bulimia
- Prolonged and unresolved grief
- Difficulties coping with a long term physical health condition
- Stress, anxiety or low mood related to pregnancy or after having a baby
- Stress related to menopause
- People who are experiencing a common mental health problem (such stress, depression or anxiety) and are neurodivergent, with a diagnosis of autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Needs we cannot meet
- People experiencing a mental health crisis (if you need emergency mental health support, please visit the Devon Partnership NHS Trust website)
- People who have plans or intent to significantly harm themselves, or other people, or who have recently harmed themselves or others
- People whose primary problem relates to an ongoing abusive relationship or a very unstable home environment
- People who are rough sleeping
- People who are waiting for, or are already receiving, help from a specialist mental health service such as a Community Mental Health Team

We are not trained to help with people whose primary problem is:
- Bipolar disorder or cyclothymia
- Psychosis or schizophrenia
- Related to the symptoms of a personality disorder, anorexia and other restrictive eating disorders
- Dementia
- A severe learning disability
- Dependence on drugs and/or alcohol
- Problem gambling or other addictions
- Very complex post-traumatic stress disorder
- A need for marriage guidance or relationship counselling
- Difficulties with emotional regulation, anger and/or impulsive behaviour
- Sexual dysfunction
How to access our service
If you are struggling, TALKWORKS is here to help. We are a free and confidential, NHS talking therapies service, for people (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options).
You can self-refer to TALKWORKS by completing our online self-referral form. If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone by calling 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 4:45pm), or you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help. You can also email the team by contacting us on dpt.talkworks@nhs.net.
